Several athletes have reportedly gone missing after competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, failing to return home with their respective teams. Police Scotland has confirmed receiving reports of athletes being "unaccounted for" following the Games' conclusion on Sunday.
Local media, including NBS Sport, reported that four members of the Ugandan boxing squad did not board their flight home, with one boxer allegedly stating their intention to seek asylum in Scotland for better training and career opportunities. The athletes were named as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema. Pakistan Today also reported that boxer Qudratullah had not returned with his teammates and was not found in his room.
This situation echoes past Commonwealth Games, where dozens of athletes have disappeared, some seeking asylum and others simply vanishing. A Police Scotland spokesperson stated that inquiries are ongoing and early engagement is occurring with the Home Office. Organisers are working with partners like Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas & Immigration to ensure a secure conclusion to the event, with Games accommodation ending two days after each athlete's sport concluded.
In 2014, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared after the Glasgow Games and were later found playing rugby in Cardiff. The Home Office indicated that any future asylum claims would be assessed on their individual merits.